Inspiration

The 40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World

From tropical rainforests to staggering waterfalls, these countries have it all.

June 2, 2022

Every country in the world has something to offer, from local cuisine to groundbreaking architecture. But actually ranking the most beautiful countries in the world? That's a bit trickier (eye of the beholder, and what not). That’s why we let the World Economic Forum do much of the work for us: Every year, the foundation releases their Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report, a survey that ranks the world’s countries based on various factors, from safety to life expectancy—and yes, even natural resources.

The latter takes into consideration details like total animal species, the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the amount of protected ecosystems—and 2022’s results are as stunning as ever. We pulled the top 30 countries from the all-encompassing “natural resources” section of the WEF’s report, and then polled Traveler editors for their personal picks (consider them bonus entries, if you will) to put together this list of the world’s most beautiful countries. Get ready to swoon.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Getty
Australia
Australia’s natural beauty is unrivaled—from the Great Barrier Reef to the wild isolation of the Outback, to the winelands of Victoria. Witnessing the majesty of Uluru should be on every traveler’s bucket list, whether viewed from above by helicopter or from a distance at ground level during the technicolor sunset. Another must-see? Tasmania. The island state’s mountain wilderness and pristine coastline are remarkably beautiful.
Getty
Mexico
Home to 67 national parks, more than 5,000 miles of coastline, and landscapes ranging from deserts to snow-capped volcanoes, Mexico ranks high on this list for a reason. The state of Oaxaca lays claim to wild, crowd-free beaches and Hierve el Agua, a set of natural rock formations and mineral springs. Down in the southern state of Chiapas, the Sumidero Canyon astounds with 3,000-foot cliff walls, caves, and waterfalls. Mexico also takes great lengths to protect its wildlife: the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve northwest of Mexico City welcomes millions of butterflies every autumn, while the whale sanctuary in El Vizcaino is an important reproduction site for grey and blue whales.

Getty
Brazil
There is no shortage of grandeur in Brazil, whether you’re standing below the horseshoe-shaped falls of Iguazu, kayaking through the incomparable Amazon, or looking out from the peak of Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago off the northeast coast, features some of the best beaches in the country. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park boasts blindingly white sand dunes juxtaposed against turquoise lagoons. Then there’s the biodiversity—the greatest on the planet, to be exact. It’s not uncommon to spot jaguars, spider monkeys, piranhas, giant water lilies, and mangroves (among several other million species).
Getty
The United States of America
You could spend a lifetime exploring the sites of America, all as beautiful as they are diverse. Hawaii’s vertical Na'Pali Coast is easily one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet. Denali National Park in Alaska is worth braving the extreme low temperatures. And perhaps you’ve heard of a charming little tourist destination known as the Grand Canyon?

Getty
China
China has 56 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within its borders—the second-most of any country in the world (after Italy, which has 58). Here you’ll find otherworldly landscapes like the Zhangye National Geopark, whose striped, technicolor mountains are basically Mother Nature’s answer to Photoshop. You can also see skyscraper-like sandstone pillars at Wulingyuan Scenic Area, endless fields of yellow rapeseed plants in Luoping County, and multicolored lakes in the Jiuzhaigou Valley—and that’s just for starters.
Getty
India
Home to Himalayan peaks and Indian Ocean beaches, India’s terrain can only be described as breathtaking. Kerala is easily one of the most country’s most beautiful states, with elephants and tigers, lush lagoon networks, and tea plantations. There are incredible stretches of sand even outside of Kerala, like Marina Beach in unsung Tamil Nadu, or Chandipur Beach in Orissa, where tides recede nearly three miles out to sea. The Valley of Flowers National Park is spectacular, as hundred of species of alpine flowers carpet the western Himalayas in chromatic glory.

Getty
Canada
Oh, Canada. The world’s second-biggest country has almost too much spectacular scenery to single out favorites. But if we had to pick, we’d start with the remote Torngat Mountains National Park, a land of polar bears and caribou, glaciers and fjords, and a stretch of mountains you’re not likely to ever forget. Truly all of the country’s 48 national parks are worth a visit, from Alberta’s serene Banff to Yukon’s extreme Kluane.
Getty
Indonesia
One of the crown jewels of Southeast Asia, Indonesia has some of the best islands in the world. First up is the spiritual, sun-kissed paradise that is Bali. It is crowded, yes; but you can still find enclaves of quiet in places like the central region of Tabanan, with its waterfalls, butterfly parks, and UNESCO-protected rice fields. Located off the coast of West Papua, the Raja Ampat Islands are a scuba diver’s dream with blue channels and biodiverse reefs. And don’t forget about the relatively crowd-free island of Flores, complete with white sand beaches and steep green hills.

Getty
France
France is the stuff fairytales are made of, with fields of lavender and castles at every turn. The country’s coastline beckons travelers from all over the world, whether it’s to the beaches of Biarritz, white cliffs of Normandy, or any one of the glitzy towns along the French Riviera. For some truly untouched nature, make a beeline for the island of Corsica; if it’s ski slopes you’re after, head west to Mont Blanc.
Getty
Colombia
Colombia’s incredible landscape deserves to be recognized, and not just because it contains parts of the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountain range. Tayrona National Park is one of the most picturesque places in South America, with beaches dotted with coconut palms and rainforests sitting nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. The ochre desert meets the aquamarine sea at Cabo de la Vela, a unique cape surrounded by rocky cliffs—it’s hard to get to, sure, but absolutely worth it.

Anton Petrus/Getty
Spain
Aside from its world-class beaches (like Playa de Las Catedrales in Galicia, pictured), Spain is home to 16 national parks, including five in the Canary and Balearic Islands. Doñana National Park is home to five threatened bird species, plus scenic marshes and sand dunes. Teide National Park has the tallest mountain in the country (Mount Teide) and third tallest volcanic structure in the world (Pico Viejo).
Getty
Japan
Japan is at once serene and exhilarating, ancient and unexpected. The subtropical Ogasawara Islands offer pristine beaches, exceptional snorkeling and whale watching, and forests packed with 195 endangered bird species. Solitary Mount Fuji is the country's most iconic landmark, rising above villages and reflecting on lakes’ surfaces. Even the cities here are bursting with natural beauty: see Kyoto’s scattering of cherry blossoms and Arashiyama bamboo forest, or the calm, grassy parks of Tokyo.

Spooh/Getty
South Africa
South Africa is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, offering easy access to the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) at places like Kruger National Park. Looking for penguins? Boulders Beach is just an hour’s drive south from Cape Town. If you can believe it, the landscapes here are even more diverse than the wildlife, from wildflower-filled Namaqualand to the soaring Drakensberg Mountains to the Blyde River Canyon. Even in urban Cape Town, you need only look up to see iconic Table Mountain and Lion’s Head.
Getty
Thailand
The number of foreign visitors to Thailand has doubled in the past ten years, and it’s easy to understand why. There are literally hundreds of islands offering something for every type of traveler, whether it’s the lush jungles of Ko Kut or the crystal-clear diving waters of Ko Tao. To catch sight of wild elephants and tigers, dramatic waterfalls, and some of the world’s oldest rainforests, venture inland to the wondrous Khao Sok National Park.

Francesco Ricca Iacomino/Getty
Italy
Few parts of the world can claim so intense a range of natural beauty as Italy, from craggy peaks and verdant hills to coasts of jaw-dropping beauty. There’s nothing quite like driving through the winding, cyprus-lined roads of Tuscany, past rolling green hills and golden fields dotted with sunflowers. The Dolomites are some of the most beautiful mountains you’ll find anywhere, too; San Pellegrino Pass is one of its best spots for rock climbing, skiing, and, well, just being in awe.
Getty
Tanzania
Tanzania is a biodiverse wonderland, but its main draw is undoubtedly the Serengeti—especially if you can visit between January and March to witness the Great Migration. And don’t forget about Mount Kilimanjaro, rising like a magnificent mirage over the vast plains. Another deservedly popular spot is the Ngorongoro Crater, a vast and thriving volcanic caldera known as Africa’s Garden of Eden (assuming the garden had flamingos and zebras). Tanzania also has some 800 miles of Indian Ocean-facing coastline, with the white sand beaches and sapphire waters of Zanzibar generating the most tourism buzz.

Getty
Peru
Machu Picchu’s panoramic views and mysterious stone walls are worth a plane ticket to Peru alone, but the country has more to offer than just Incan ruins. The Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is known for its terraced agriculture and epic birdwatching (find everything from flamingos to giant hummingbirds here). The Paracas Natural Reserve (an easy day trip from Lima) is another ecologically rich area, where Humboldt penguins waddle freely on red sand beaches.
Getty
Argentina
Argentina is one of the most awe-inspiring countries in the world, and not just because of its legendary tango performances. This nation is indeed a natural wonderland—just look at Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, comprised of jagged mountains, picturesque lakes, and massive glaciers. The northwestern part of the country contains some of the Andes and a lot of vicuñas (relatives of the llama). On the Argentina-Brazil border, Iguazú Falls—a collection of 200 falls reaching heights of 200 feet—is easily one of the most stunning sites in South America.

Getty
Venezuela
Venezuela is truly a land of superlatives. It has the world’s highest waterfall, for starters; and the 3,212-foot cascades of Angel Falls (that’s 19 times taller than Niagara), located in the lush Canaima National Park, are by far the country’s most popular attraction. Mount Roraima also dazzles, with vertical cliffs stretching all the way through the clouds. The archipelago of Los Roques has white sand beaches, mangrove swamps, and spectacular reefs and underwater life.
Eachat/Getty
Ecuador
It’s almost unbelievable how biodiverse Ecuador is. The country is a smidge smaller than Nevada, but encompasses pieces of the Amazon, Andes, and Pacific Coast, as well as the entire Galápagos archipelago. We’d argue that the Galápagos Islands are reason enough for Ecuador to land on this ranking, filled with volcanoes, lakes, beaches, and more animal species than we have room to cover here.

Getty
Malaysia
Split by the South China Sea, Malaysia is like two countries in one—Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo—with islands thrown in as an added bonus. You’ll find a variety of diverse landscapes throughout this Southeast Asian nation. The Langkawi archipelago has pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush mountains (plus that famous Sky Bridge you’ve definitely seen pictures of). The Cameron Highlands in Pahang are home to stunning tea plantations and butterfly farms. Hoping to spot some wildlife? The Kinabatangan River winds for 348 miles through the state of Sabah, providing habitats for saltwater crocodiles, Bornean orangutans, pygmy elephants, and more.
Getty
Philippines
There are more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, and they easily number among the most beautiful in the world. The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan encompasses mangrove forests, one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, and an underground river. The Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island consist of an estimated 1,776 grass-covered domes that are mysteriously uniform in shape. The rice terraces of both Banaue and the Philippine Cordilleras provide panoramic views of every shade of green imaginable.

Margarita Almpanezou/Getty
Costa Rica
It’s easy to sink into the pura vida (pure life) when you’re surrounded by misty waterfalls, deserted beaches, and protected jungles. In fact, more than a quarter of Costa Rica enjoys some form of environmental protection. Cocos Island National Park, the only island in the eastern Pacific with a rainforest, is a world-class diving destination replete with hammerhead sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, and dolphins. La Amistad National Park is another uniquely diverse site, with cloud forests, glacial valleys, and a rare tropical alpine grassland (say that five times fast). It’s also home to Cerro Chirripó, the highest mountain in Costa Rica.
Getty
Vietnam
Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City draw tons of tourists every year, but Vietnam is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts (or anyone who simply enjoys a pretty landscape). Ha Long Bay, located in northeast Vietnam, is beloved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands—all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife. In the northeast, Hà Giang has breathtaking mountain scenery criss-crossed with steep rice terraces and hiking trails. On the southern coast, Ninh Van Bay has great snorkeling and diving. And you can always hop on a quick flight and spend a few days on Phú Quốc, a jungle-draped island off Vietnam’s southwestern coast.

Getty
Panama
We named Panama one of the best places to visit in 2022, thanks to its biodiverse jungles, sprawling beaches, and relative lack of crowds compared to neighboring Costa Rica. The Caribbean-facing province of Bocas del Toro is a one-stop shop for both gorgeous beaches and active wildlife—for a truly memorable experience, take a nighttime snorkeling trip through bioluminescent waters right off the coast. A straight shot south from Bocas del Toro, the Pacific Ocean-facing province Chiriquí offers an equally beautiful, but wholly different slice of nature. Here you can hike through cloud forests, swim beneath roaring waterfalls, and witness the panoramic sunrise from the summit of Volcán Barú.
Getty
Kenya
There are plenty of reasons to head to Kenya, and we’re not just talking about its bevy of resorts and safari camps. The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is the ultimate place for wildlife spotting, with cheetahs, giraffes, black rhinos, and some of the highest bird diversities in the world. Mount Kenya is the second highest peak (after Kilimanjaro) and one of the most impressive landscapes in Africa, with glacial lakes and forested slopes.

Getty
New Zealand
New Zealand is no stranger to breathtaking landscapes, with towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and more than 9,000 miles of windswept shores. Just look towards the resplendent fields of pink and purple lupins at Lake Tekapo; or Milford Sound, a mountainous fjord where you can live out all of your Lord of the Rings fantasies. The splendor also extends below the surface to the Waitomo glowworm caves—leave it to New Zealand to make even worms look beautiful.
Getty
Bolivia
Landlocked Bolivia is often overshadowed by its neighboring countries, but this South American nation has a staggering amount of natural beauty. The country’s claim to fame is Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat which becomes a giant sky-reflecting mirror during the wet season. Just north of the Chilean border in the shadow of the Andes, Laguna Colorada is a salt lake known for its blood-red waters. And while we’re on the subject of lakes, we’d be remiss not to mention Lake Titicaca—it’s the highest navigable lake in the world (12,500 feet above sea level) and features sparkling blue water, snow-capped mountains, and floating villages.

1111IESPDJ/Getty
The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom comprises England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, which explains why its natural sites are so beautifully diverse. In England, be sure to visit the rugged beaches of Cornwall and dazzling bodies of water in the Lake District. Wales is all about epic mountain ranges, namely Brecon Beacons and its surrounding hiking trails. Scotland’s lochs, highlands, and Isle of Skye number among the most beautiful places on the planet. And Northern Ireland has several unique sites to its name, including the Giant’s Causeway and Dark Hedges.
Getty
Croatia
Poised between the Balkans and central Europe, Croatia is a land of limestone caves, undulating fields, and white pebble beaches. The country’s most famous waters are found inland at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a system of waterfalls, caves, and 16 terraced lakes that cover the entire blue-green color spectrum. The Adriatic Sea coast is truly unrivaled, speckled with more than 1,000 islands surrounded by impossibly clear water. The Dinaric Alps provide even more sublime views and help contribute to Croatia’s overall landscape—the craggy peaks and caverns near the coast transition to rolling farmland in the northeast Hrvatsko Zagorje region.

Getty
Iceland
Situated just outside the Arctic Circle, Iceland has emerged as one of the world’s most desirable tourist destinations. Travelers flock to the island nation by the millions to bear witness awe-inspiring vistas, from towering volcanoes to gushing waterfalls and expansive underground ice caves. Jökulsárlón, the deepest glacial lake in the country, is famous for its floating blue icebergs and gatherings of seals. Down in Vik, the black sands and basalt columns of Reynisfjara Beach are just begging to be photographed.
Artur Debat/Getty
Portugal
After soaking up all that Lisbon has to offer, venture outside of Portugal’s capital city to really experience how stunning the country is. The Algarve region is ideal for road trips, where you can pull over and appreciate some seriously gorgeous beaches lines with steep cliffs (we recommend Praia da Marinha). The Douro River is another must-visit spot, thanks to spectacular views created by the steeply terraced vineyards at the river’s edge—similar to those found in the Moselle in Germany or the LaVaux vineyards in Switzerland. And don’t forget about the Azores, an Atlantic island chain of nine volcanic islands overflowing with hedges of blue hydrangeas.

Marco Bottigelli/Getty
Chile
Chile occupies some of the most pristine landscapes on our planet: the moonlike dunes of Valle de la Luna; the swirling, cerulean surfaces of the Marble Caves; the gurgling geysers of El Tatio. But when you think of Chile, you most likely think of Torres del Paine. The national park is like a microcosm of all the things that make Patagonia such a spectacular place: sky-high mountains, blue icebergs, and mythical lakes galore.
Getty
Namibia
When it comes to sheer natural beauty, few countries in Africa come close to Namibia. The Namib Desert is the country’s shining star, from the otherworldly landscapes of the Skeleton Coast, to the shifting dunes of the Namib Sand Sea, to the eerie, sun-blackened trees of Deadvlei. The Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, is a granite massif that glows when the sun sets (Brandberg means “Fire Mountain” in Afrikaans). And this is a coastal country, so you better believe there are beaches—namely the stunning Fish River Canyon (the largest canyon in Africa) or the rivers and wetlands in the Caprivi Strip.

Getty
Greece
Greece may be best known for the the architecture of Athens and coastal scenes of Santorini (if we had a dollar for every Oia snapshot on our Instagram feed…), but there’s a lot more to the country than its immediate associations. Each of the 6,000+ islands and islets offer swoon-worthy vistas, from the cliff-lined beaches of Zakynthos to the epic sunrises in Mykonos. Not a beach bum? Pay a visit to Epirus, the mountainous, forest-filled region in northwestern Greece.
Getty
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of our favorite travel destinations—a country complete with rambling temple ruins, leafy tea plantations, and wide, golden beaches. Animal lovers should take particular note, as the country has tons of options for wildlife viewing. Both Udawalawe National Park and Gal Oya National Park contain hundreds of elephants, while Yala National Park is home to the world’s highest concentration of leopards. And tea lovers, this advice is for you: Base yourself at Thotalagala, a seven-suite hotel near Dambatenne, the world’s most famous tea estate, planted in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton (yes, that Lipton).

Getty
Norway
Norway is the land of glaciers, mountains, the Northern Lights, and fjords—so many fjords. The UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord in southwestern Norway are among the most scenic anywhere, with steep rock walls and dense forests. For something a little more unique (and daring), there’s Trolltunga at Hardangerfjord. This protruding rock sits about 2,300 feet above Lake Ringedalsvatnet and provides some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the country. And don’t forget about the Lofoten Islands, sitting pretty off the country’s northwestern coast.
Getty
Turkey
Turkey’s landscapes are varied, breathtaking, and even a tad peculiar. Most of the best vistas are found in Asian Anatolia, like the fairy chimneys and rock pillars of Cappadocia, or the craggy peaks and alpine pastures of the Kaçkar Mountains. In the Aegean region, the frozen waterfalls and stacked pools of Pamukkale ensure you'll never be satisfied with your hotel’s infinity pool again. The Turquoise Coast (or Turkish Riviera) is another prime location, especially if perfect beaches, mountain views, and a Mediterranean climate are what you’re looking for.

Getty
Nepal
In Nepal, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and breathtaking landscapes go hand in hand. Home to eight of the world’s 10 tallest mountains (including Mount Everest, the highest point on earth), the country is famous among hikers and adventure seekers. The Gokyo Lakes comprise the world’s highest freshwater lake system, where vibrant, glacier-fed waters are surrounded by snowy peaks. Chitwan National Park is home to rare populations of rhinoceros and Bengal tigers, while Sagarmatha National Park is the place to see snow leopards and red pandas.
Janoka82/Getty
Switzerland
Tucked away in the Alps, Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world, no matter when you’re visiting. Come wintertime though, it becomes a veritable wonderland, with powdery ski slopes and frozen lakes galore. For the best vantage point of the country’s natural beauty, stay in the village of Zermatt, a ski town so pristine that people actually buy bottles of air from the surrounding mountains (including Switzerland’s iconic Matterhorn mountain). Not a fan of skiing? A summer visit to Switzerland is always a good idea, where Lake Geneva’s picturesque banks and Zurich's badi (natural swimming pools along the lakes and rivers) are waiting to host your next family vacation.

Australia

Mexico

Brazil

The United States of America

China

India

Canada

Indonesia

France

Colombia

Spain

Japan

South Africa

Thailand

Italy

Tanzania

Peru

Argentina

Venezuela

Ecuador

Malaysia

Philippines

Costa Rica

Vietnam

Panama

Kenya

New Zealand

Bolivia

The United Kingdom

Croatia

Iceland

Portugal

Chile

Namibia

Greece

Sri Lanka

Norway

Turkey

Nepal

Switzerland

The Daily